Agriculture is at a critical juncture, farm leaders warn
CALIFORNIA — Grappling with higher costs and challenges related to water, labor, regulations and trade, some California farm leaders question whether the nation’s No. 1 agriculture state has reached a tipping point.
California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass discussed the high cost of operating a...
King City 4-H, FFA partner on industrial arts project
KING CITY — King City Rural 4-H recently collaborated with King City High School FFA to offer an industrial arts project for its members for the first time.
This rare collaboration included help from KCHS ag teacher Blaise Chaney, who opened up the school’s state-of-the-art...
Artichoke Festival 2025 returns to its roots in Salinas Valley
SALINAS VALLEY — The iconic Artichoke Festival is making a grand return to its roots in the heart of the Salinas Valley this year.
Set for June 14-15, the annual festival will take place at the Monterey County Sheriff’s Posse Grounds in Salinas, a move...
Salinas Valley Fair Board seeks new members to join
KING CITY — Salinas Valley Fair has announced that there are currently two open Fair Board positions available, and it is looking for enthusiastic, hands-on individuals to join.
This is an opportunity for community members to get involved and help shape the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds...
Students join Supervisor Lopez for annual pumpkin distribution in South Monterey County
SAN ARDO — Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez and his District 3 team marked the fifth consecutive year of distributing pumpkins to South Monterey County students, thanks to a generous donation from Braga Fresh Farms.
Lopez celebrated his birthday Oct. 14 by joining the team...
Taking the vaccine into the fields to help vulnerable farmworkers
CALIFORNIA — Before state officials announced that 40% of California's new vaccine doses would go to low-income communities, leaders were struggling to make good on promises to prioritize vulnerable Californians in the vaccine rollout.
As my colleague Miriam Jordan recently wrote, farmworkers were among those...
Dangerous herbicide used on California crops banned
SALINAS VALLEY — A dangerous herbicide banned immediately by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been sprayed on crops in many California counties and has contaminated groundwater in low concentrations in the Salinas Valley and Santa Barbara County.
The weed-killing chemical, known as DCPA or...
Salinas Valley Fair unveils renovated Expo Building
KING CITY — Salinas Valley Fair has announced the completion of the extensive renovation of the Expo Building, marking a new chapter in its storied history.
The 12,000-square-foot, multipurpose facility underwent upgrades in 2022 and 2023, transforming it into a venue for a wide array...
Salinas schools to close as Taylor Farms fire, evacuation order continues
SALINAS — A fire in a Salinas food processing plant that has prompted authorities to evacuate surrounding neighborhoods has now closed four nearby elementary schools as sunrise approaches Thursday.
City officials announced the closure shortly after 5:30 a.m. Thursday for Lincoln Elementary, Monterey Park Elementary, Sherwood...
Salinas Valley Fair to host online livestock auction Saturday
KING CITY — Salinas Valley Fair will host a virtual livestock auction this Saturday, June 20.
This year’s auction is a charitable auction, with no meat product exchanging hands. Proceeds will instead be directed to 4-H and FFA exhibitors who participate in the auction. Some...
